Positive Grid Spark 2 settings
1979 settings for Positive Grid Spark 2
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 11 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a Positive Grid Spark 2, select the MATCH DC preset, then set Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Reverb 1.5, Music volume 5. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
updated 2026-10-15
- Preset / mode
- MATCH DC
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Positive Grid Spark 2 knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 6
- Reverb
- 1.5
- Music volume
- 5
- Guitar volume
- 8
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (Spring) · 1.5
Playing tips
- Use the amp's built-in reverb set to a moderate level for added depth.
- Consider using a compression pedal to smooth out dynamics and enhance sustain.
- If you want to add shimmer, use a light chorus effect.
The original rig
What The Smashing Pumpkins used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Positive Grid Spark 2 actually has.
- Guitar
- Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio)
- Amp
- Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions)
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 2.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get 1979 adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts The Smashing Pumpkins's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Positive Grid Spark 2 for 1979?
Start from the MATCH DC preset, then set Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Reverb 1.5, Music volume 5.
Which pickup should I use for 1979?
Neck pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did The Smashing Pumpkins use on 1979?
Guitar: Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio). Amp: Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
1979 on other amps
Popular songs on the Positive Grid Spark 2
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Raining Blood · Slayer
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.